While Decatur hasn’t faced an uproar over a police shooting, it has faced criticism from residents over treatment of black citizens and visitors by police officers. The city is currently developing a Community Action Plan to address issues surrounding the decreasing amount of diversity in the city.

The City Commission’s Aug. 17 agenda includes a request to approve the purchase of the cameras and the financing for the purchase. The total cost of the equipment will be $173,477, financed over three years. In a memo to City Manager Peggy Merriss, Police Chief Booker said the cameras have several benefits, including:

– Strengthening police accountability by documenting incidents and encounters between officers and the public.

– Preventing confrontational situations by improving officer professionalism and the behavior of people being recorded.

– Resolving officer-involved incidents and complaints by providing a more accurate record of events.

– Improving transparency by allowing the public to see video evidence of police activities and
encounters.

– Strengthening officer performance by using video footage for officer training and monitoring.

The City Commission meeting begins with a work session at 6:45 p.m. The regular meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held at city hall, located at 509 North McDonough Street, and all meetings are open to the public.

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